AB1553-HPR PATIENT’S EXPERIENCES ATTENDING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN A RHEUMATOLOGY OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN COLOMBIA
Authors: R. A. Castiblanco Montañez, F. Rodriguez, G. Sánchez, D. Buitrago-Garcia, P. Santos-Moreno
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background An educational program has been recommended as an integral component of the standard care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have demonstrated that education in patients with RA improves the overall outcome of treatment and positively impacts patients’ lives. In addition, it is always relevant to understand the effects of these interventions from the patient perspective by using qualitative research methods (1, 2). Objectives To explore the experiences of patients attending a structured educational program specific to rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We conducted a qualitative study; data were collected in two focal groups; The information was transcribed and coded according to the leading emerging categories. Results 23 participants attended the focal groups; most were women (90%). The mean age was 61 years ± 5. We identified fourth categories. First, the experiences in the program. Second, sharing their experience with other patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Third, the knowledge acquired during the program. Finally, the fourth category was applying the new knowledge in everyday life. Figure 1. Figure 1. Emerging categories in the qualitative analysis Conclusion Patients who attend an educational program report positive and fulfilling experiences. An educational activity improves how the patient sees the disease and the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. Our findings are similar to other studies, where involving an educational component can improve self-efficacy and might improve clinical outcomes (3, 4). References [1]Ndosi M, Johnson D, Young T, Hardware B, Hill J, Hale C, et al. Effects of needs-based patient education on self-efficacy and health outcomes in people with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre, single blind, randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016;75(6):1126-32. [2]Van der Elst K, De Cock D, Bangels L, Peerlings L, Doumen M, Bertrand D, et al. ‘More than just chitchat’: a qualitative study concerning the need and potential format of a peer mentor programme for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open. 2021;7(3). [3]Bodenheimer T, Lorig K, Holman H, Grumbach K. Patient self-management of chronic disease in primary care. Jama. 2002;288(19):2469-75. [4]Renskers L, Rongen-van Dartel SA, Huis AM, van Riel PL. Patients’ experiences regarding self-monitoring of the disease course: an observational pilot study in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases at a rheumatology outpatient clinic in The Netherlands. BMJ Open. 2020;10(8):e033321. Acknowledgements This project was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation MINCIENCIAS. Grant number: 695180763684 Disclosure of Interests Ruth Alexandra Castiblanco Montañez: None declared, Fernando Rodriguez: None declared, GUILLERMO SÁNCHEZ: None declared, Diana Buitrago-Garcia: None declared, Pedro Santos-Moreno Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly